What is one potential long-term effect of high radiation exposure?

Long-term exposure to high levels of radiation is primarily associated with an increased risk of cancer development. This occurs because radiation can cause damage to the DNA within cells, leading to mutations. If these mutations affect critical genes that regulate cell growth and division, the result may be the uncontrolled proliferation of cells—characteristic of cancer.

The risk for cancer development is particularly notable in tissues that are rapidly dividing, as these cells are more susceptible to the effects of radiation. Various types of cancer can arise from such exposure, including leukemia and solid tumors in organs like the lungs, breast, and thyroid.

Immediate fatigue, though it might occur after acute radiation exposure, is not a long-term effect. Increased immune response and enhanced cellular repair are generally not outcomes of high radiation exposure; rather, significant radiation can impair immune function and disrupt cellular healing mechanisms. Thus, the connection between high radiation exposure and cancer development underscores the importance of careful monitoring and regulation of radiation exposure in medical, occupational, and environmental contexts.